emirates7 - The UAE is a global leader in the fight against malaria, playing a crucial role through humanitarian efforts and financial support to accelerate progress towards eradicating the disease.
As the country celebrates 28 years without a locally transmitted malaria case since 1997 and 18 years since being officially declared malaria-free, the disease remains a significant global threat. According to the World Health Organization, malaria led to 597,000 deaths worldwide in 2023.
On World Malaria Day, observed every year on April 25th, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Deputy CEO of the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE), emphasized that malaria continues to be a major global health challenge, with an estimated 263 million cases reported in 2023.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Al Hosani stated that GLIDE is part of the UAE’s legacy and ongoing commitment to tackling infectious diseases globally, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The institute focuses on research and innovation to guide global strategies through evidence-based policies and studies that aid in disease eradication.
Dr. Al Hosani highlighted the need for coordinated international efforts to address malaria effectively, noting that many countries still struggle with insufficient human resources and research capabilities required for treatment, prevention, and eradication.
Founded in 2019, GLIDE has significantly contributed to global health efforts to eliminate infectious diseases. Over the past six years, it has launched numerous programs in nearly 30 countries.
The Last Mile Initiative, a global health program supported by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, announced a new grant of AED55 million to GLIDE in April 2024—its second grant since the institute’s establishment.
The UAE continues to offer its expertise and resources to malaria control worldwide. International health organizations have praised the UAE’s role in malaria eradication, including its support for Malaria No More, the Last Mile Initiative, and ongoing humanitarian efforts to improve health and treatment programs in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.
In 2020, the UAE launched the Forecasting Healthy Futures (FHF) initiative to enhance the fight against deadly mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
In January 2022, FHF established the Institute for Malaria and Climate Solutions (IMACS), a global organization focused on combating malaria amidst climate-related challenges.
In January 2023, the Reaching the Last Mile initiative, Malaria No More, and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) announced the expansion of FHF with a new three-year grant totaling US$5 million.
Domestically, the UAE continues to implement a strong strategy through the Ministry of Health and Prevention to protect the population from infectious diseases. This includes a proactive preventive health system and an epidemiological surveillance program to detect and manage potential cases entering the country.
As the country celebrates 28 years without a locally transmitted malaria case since 1997 and 18 years since being officially declared malaria-free, the disease remains a significant global threat. According to the World Health Organization, malaria led to 597,000 deaths worldwide in 2023.
On World Malaria Day, observed every year on April 25th, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Deputy CEO of the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE), emphasized that malaria continues to be a major global health challenge, with an estimated 263 million cases reported in 2023.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Al Hosani stated that GLIDE is part of the UAE’s legacy and ongoing commitment to tackling infectious diseases globally, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The institute focuses on research and innovation to guide global strategies through evidence-based policies and studies that aid in disease eradication.
Dr. Al Hosani highlighted the need for coordinated international efforts to address malaria effectively, noting that many countries still struggle with insufficient human resources and research capabilities required for treatment, prevention, and eradication.
Founded in 2019, GLIDE has significantly contributed to global health efforts to eliminate infectious diseases. Over the past six years, it has launched numerous programs in nearly 30 countries.
The Last Mile Initiative, a global health program supported by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, announced a new grant of AED55 million to GLIDE in April 2024—its second grant since the institute’s establishment.
The UAE continues to offer its expertise and resources to malaria control worldwide. International health organizations have praised the UAE’s role in malaria eradication, including its support for Malaria No More, the Last Mile Initiative, and ongoing humanitarian efforts to improve health and treatment programs in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.
In 2020, the UAE launched the Forecasting Healthy Futures (FHF) initiative to enhance the fight against deadly mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
In January 2022, FHF established the Institute for Malaria and Climate Solutions (IMACS), a global organization focused on combating malaria amidst climate-related challenges.
In January 2023, the Reaching the Last Mile initiative, Malaria No More, and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) announced the expansion of FHF with a new three-year grant totaling US$5 million.
Domestically, the UAE continues to implement a strong strategy through the Ministry of Health and Prevention to protect the population from infectious diseases. This includes a proactive preventive health system and an epidemiological surveillance program to detect and manage potential cases entering the country.